Therapy and counselling experiences of queer adults in Germany

Background

Mental health professionals play a crucial role in either alleviating or exacerbating stress among queer clients.

Aims

Drawing on minority stress theory, we conducted a study to examine the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or consensually non-monogamous clients with current or recent psychotherapy or counselling experiences in Germany.

Method

A convenience sample of 492 queer individuals participated in an online survey, providing insights into their most recent experiences with psychotherapy or counselling and evaluating the success of these processes. Among the participants, 92% identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or another non-heterosexual identity, while 8% identified as heterosexual. Additionally, 54% reported being in consensually non-monogamous relationships, and 23% identified as gender-diverse.

Results

The majority (92%) had prior experience with psychotherapy, with over half reporting their last session within the last month. The remaining 8% reported counselling experience. Most participants rated their recent psychotherapy or counselling process as successful. Exemplary practices were more common than inappropriate ones. While overt discrimination by mental health professionals was rare, subtle inappropriate behaviours were still prevalent. Affirmative and actively reassuring practices were strongly linked to subjective therapy success.

Conclusion

The study's findings warrant cautious optimism regarding a non-discriminative stance in German mental health professionals while highlighting the need for further research, training and guidelines for therapists and counsellors.